A GNOME named Norman gave a Diseworth family the surprise of their lives when he dropped by their house for a year’s rest after he had apparently spent time travelling the world.

Shirley Briggs contacted the Echo after the gnome suddenly appeared in her garden on the morning of January 1 this year with a note attached saying that Norman wished to stay with them for exactly a year after spending quite a bit of time travelling.

Mrs Briggs said: “I just couldn’t believe it when I looked in our garden and saw this gnome with a note attached.

“I went out to see what was written and it said that Norman had apparently spent several years travelling around the globe. It seems he’s been around a few places too.”

In the note it said that Norman had been in the USA, Australia and the Grand Cayman Islands, and Mrs Briggs’ family were asked if they could look after him for exactly one year.

“We found Norman a pleasant spot in the garden and agreed that we’d look after him for his stay.”

She added: “Since Norman appeared, he’s received two postcards from his friend Noddy, care of our address. One came from Aruba, a small island off the coast of Venezuela, and another from Japan.

“We’re assuming he’ll leave us just as magically on January 1 next year as he appeared this year.

“I guess he’ll be on his way though for further stages in his world-wide travels.”